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College comparison
BU vs Tufts
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  BU Boston, MA |  Tufts Medford, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateBoston University is more selective | 11% | 11% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1420–1530 | 1470–1560 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 18,248 | 7,061 |
| Avg net price | $24,402 | $39,998 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)BU reports higher median earnings | $83,238 | $83,214 |
| Graduation rate | 89% | 94% |
| Median debt | $23,250 | $16,250 |
| Economic mobility | 2.0% | 2.1% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
BU vs Tufts: how they compare
Both are highly selective, urban-adjacent Boston-area universities with strong outcomes, but they deliver value and experience in notably different ways.
By the numbers AdmitQuant’s verified data shows both share an 11% acceptance rate, but Tufts’ SAT 25-75 range (1470–1560) is a tier above BU’s (1420–1530). Their 10-year median earnings are identical at $83k, yet BU’s average net price ($24k) is significantly lower than Tufts’ ($40k), giving BU a much stronger value multiplier (3.4x vs. 2.1x earnings per dollar of net price). Tufts has a slightly higher economic-mobility rate (213% vs. 202%) and graduation rate (94% vs. 89%). BU shows higher admit-rate volatility (83% vs. 58%) and a marginally stronger DOE financial-health score (3.0 vs. 2.7/3).
Where they overlap Both schools attract high-achieving, career-oriented students and benefit from the academic and professional ecosystem of Greater Boston. They are peers in selectivity and lead to identical early-career earning outcomes.
How they differ The core divergence is setting and cost structure. BU is an integrated, bustling urban campus in the heart of Boston, while Tufts offers a more traditional suburban campus vibe in nearby Medford/Somerville. Culturally, student impressions describe BU as having a vibrant, city-integrated environment with substantial research programs, whereas Tufts is noted for a friendly, intellectually stimulating, and balanced atmosphere with particular strength in health and life sciences.
Who each suits BU suits the student who wants an immersive, fast-paced city experience, values high quantitative return on investment, and thrives in a large, decentralized urban environment. the student who prefers a cohesive campus community with easy city access, prioritizes a highly collaborative and rigorous academic culture, and is willing to pay a premium for that residential-college feel.
Quick answers
- Is Boston University or Tufts University harder to get into?
- Boston University is more selective: Boston University's acceptance rate is approximately 11% and Tufts University's is approximately 11% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Boston University vs Tufts University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1420–1530 at Boston University and 1470–1560 at Tufts University. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.